title: Relationship between gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and dietary factors in Korea.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Korea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between GERD symptoms and dietary factors in Korea.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2007 to April 2008, 162 subjects were enrolled (81 in GERD group and 81 in control group). They were asked to complete the questionnaires about GERD symptoms and dietary habits. The symptom severity score was recorded by visual analogue scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subjects with overweight or obesity had an increased risk for GERD (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.18-5.39). Irregular dietary intake was one of the risk factors for GERD (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.11-4.89). Acid regurgitation was the most suffering (2.85 ± 2.95 by visual analogue scale) and frequent reflux-related symptom (57.5%) in GERD. Noodles (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12-1.34), spicy foods (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16), fatty meals (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.33), sweets (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.00-2.02), alcohol (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.31), breads (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.34), carbonated drinks (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04-2.74) and caffeinated drinks (OR,1.41; 95% CI, 1.15-1.73) were associated with symptom aggravation in GERD. Among the investigated noodles, ramen (instant noodle) caused reflux-related symptoms most frequently (52.4%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found that noodles, spicy foods, fatty meals, sweets, alcohol, breads, carbonated drinks and caffeinated drinks were associated with reflux-related symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Healthcare System Gangnam Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Healthcare Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Su Jin
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Jun Haeng
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Young-Ho
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Dong Kyung
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Hee Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Son
authors.forename: Jae J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jong Chul
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Rhee
authors.forename: Poong-Lyul
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Rhee